Cranberry Apple Chutney

Thanksgiving dinner is delicious, but it can be very, very sweet. Cornbread in the stuffing (and sometimes fruit), waldorf (or jello!) salad, sweet potatoes (maybe even with marshmallows) and of course, pie. By the time you get to cranberry sauce, palate fatigue may be an understatement.

Enter the savory answer to cranberry sauce — cranberry chutney. Still red, still beautiful, and still, frankly, sweet (it does complement poultry!) but vinegar, salt and spices give it a savory edge that is a welcome counterpoint to a sweet Thanksgiving table. Chutney is one of those underappreciated condiments — it livens up everything from hot roast turkey to cold ham to a cheese sandwich. It’s far easier to make than jam – no worry about setting, and it’s an excellent gift to have handy for the holidays (if your Thanksgiving menu is already set). This makes quite a bit — about 8 half pint jars, and can be used right away, refrigerated for a few weeks, or processed in a water bath for 10 minutes and given a shelf life. Either way, it’s different but not too different (I find that people tend towards traditionalism when it comes to the holidays, and where they might look askance if you suggested eating turkey with say, a hot Indian lime pickle, cranberries in any form resembling sauce is more widely embraced. (I can’t help you with the “shape of a can” folks), it can be made in advance, and it’s a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving table or hostess gift.

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One Response

I am completely with you on this. I hate how cranberry sauce slithers out of the can onto a plate with the metal rings indented on the sides. It could withstand a nuclear attack; maybe I will add to our earthquake kit for a “dessert” option. I am all about savory as well. I make one with fresh cranberries, orange zest and black cardamom pods. Amazing. I like the use of five spice powder in your recipe. That has become a go-to seasoning for me.

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About The Domestic Front

I'm Kate, and between my day job and my home job, life is pretty full. Look around to find some of the recipes, projects, stories and tips that keep me sane on the domestic front. Read more about me here and feel free to email me with any questions or feedback!